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DRC: In Bukavu, the school year begins despite the threat of Ebola
In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the school year began in Bukavu amid the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak. At Alfajiri College, Father Tika Dieudonné, S.J., the head of the institution, assured Vatican News that classes have resumed smoothly and that preventive measures are being implemented rigorously to protect students and staff.
Moriba Camara, S.J. – Vatican City
The school year started on 01 September at Alfajiri College in Bukavu, a border town between the DRC and Rwanda. According to Jesuit Father Tika Dieudonné, nearly 90% of students and teachers were present on the first day. Attendance remained roughly the same the following day and was expected to increase in the week starting 07 September.
Faced with the Ebola threat, the school had already anticipated several preventive measures. Water points have been installed at the school entrance and around so students wash their hands frequently. Reasonable distancing is being enforced. The use of hand sanitisers is also being encouraged, the principal said. The school infirmary is constantly monitoring for any clinical signs or episodes of fever. At the time of the interview, no suspected Ebola cases had been reported at the school.
Between vigilance and fear of the disease
The principal acknowledges that the announcement of the epidemic initially caused “some panic among the population and Bukavu community.” Awareness messages were then disseminated by school authorities to try to dispel this fear among learners. Today, he notes, “the absence of confirmed cases in the institution helps to reduce fear.” However, vigilance remains necessary. “Children and their teachers must continue to observe distancing to prevent potential transmission of the disease,” asserts Father Tika.
Ebola prevention measures in schools (ANSA)
The school principal also emphasised the critical role of school officials in clearly communicating with parents and guardians, who are constantly worried about the outbreak and about sending their children to school. Parents often seek information about their children’s health when accompanying or picking up their children. For the principal, it is important to avoid “panic, exaggerated fear that is unwarranted,” while maintaining necessary precautions. He also spoke about social media sensationalism and “exaggerations” that sometimes surround information about the Ebola Virus Disease.
Pope Leo’s call for international solidarity
As the Ebola virus spread to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pope Leo XIV made a passionate call urging the international community to act in solidarity.
On 23 August, during the Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV reminded the world of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Father Tika emphasised: “Everyday activities cannot stop because of this disease.” He said it would be difficult to permanently paralyse school life while waiting for the eradication of the region’s last case. “We will live with the disease while increasing vigilance,” he affirmed.
Protecting students from Ebola amid insecurity
Among the challenges facing schools in Bukavu is the security situation in the region. The City of Bukavu has remained firmly under M23 rebel control since its capture by the Rwandan-backed group.
In February 2026, the M23 rebels entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, seizing the regional governor’s office.
To this day, Father Tika explained, the region still faces difficulties and that the situation is not fully pacified, although the city is currently calmer than before.
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